The RACS Indigenous Health Committee (IHC) and RACS Reconciliation Working Group (RWG) is proud to launch our second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The Innovate RAP provides us with key steps to establish our own unique approach to reconciliation.
RACS is committed to contributing to improving the health inequities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our vision for reconciliation is for no health discrepancies to exist between the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous populations of Australia. As Australasia’s surgical college RACS is uniquely placed to champion the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Implementing an Innovate RAP will strengthen our approach to driving reconciliation through our business activities, services and programs, and develop mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders.
We are a long way from achieving health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. To make significant changes, the College needs to acknowledge and address the legacy of colonisation processes and the resultant racism and privilege at curricular and institutional levels.
Our Innovate RAP provides the mechanism to do this. Building upon our experience when implementing our Reflect RAP, we have gained exposure and knowledge to better guide and organise ourselves to continue this important journey. Read the Innovate RAP on our website (PDF 4.85MB).
We have also launched the first course in a suite of four courses developed to help you provide culturally safe environments for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. You can access the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Safety elearning course on the College website.